§ 9 Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in framing new mental health legislation, he will provide that, on any order which authorises compulsory detention on account of unsoundness of mind, there will be set down full particulars of any drugs administered to the patient during the week preceding the making of the order;
(2) whether, in framing new mental health legislation, he will provide that a full diagnostic assessment, to exclude physical causes of mental disturbance, be 818 made before compulsory powers of detention are exercised beyond a short emergency period of three weeks;
(3) whether, in framing new mental health legislation, he will provide that a full social assessment of every case be made, before compulsory powers of detention are exercised beyond a short emergency period of three weeks.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)I must ask my hon. Friend to await the introduction of the proposed Bill.
§ Dr. JohnsonMay I ask my right hon. Friend, while having the provisions of the Bill in mind, to pay particular attention to Question No. 9? Is he aware that the Royal Commission as far back as 1926 warned about patients being certified while in a drugged condition and that, despite this warning, one has a great deal of evidence, including that of medical superintendents, of certified people reaching hospital in that condition? Particularly in the light of that, will he look sympathetically at Questions Nos. 10 and 11?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes, Sir. I always pay particular attention to the suggestions which my hon. Friend is good enough to make, but, as he will appreciate, the details of the Bill cannot be given before it is introduced to the House.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonWill the Bill be introduced before Christmas?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI cannot yet say positively.